The most sought after saltwater fish include tuna, white marlin, maco, flounder, striped bass (rockfish), sea trout, sea bass, bluefish, croaker, spot and red drum. Ocean City, known as the "white marlin capital of the world" offers great charter boat or party boat fishing opportunities.

Fish the Chesapeake Bay one day and the coastal bays the next. Try your luck at surf casting. No fishing license is required for the ocean or coastal bays, while the Chesapeake Bay does require a sport license.

Cast bucktails or plugs along the shoreline for Chesapeake Bay stripers. Baitfish in deep holes or troll deep running lures along edges. Take advantage of the many area charter and party boats for an assortment of seasonal species.

Freshwater fish can be found in the many ponds, small lakes and tidal creeks located across the Eastern Shore. Largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, catfish and a variety of panfish are all here. Reel in striped bass (rockfish) the state fish, from many of the tidal rivers and creeks that flow into the Chesapeake Bay. Fish along the Pocomoke River for largemouth bass and crappie in the spring. Summer is good for catfish and panfish, and fall brings on rockfish and perch. A day spent fishing on an Eastern Shore pond or river offers a fisherman an exceptional outdoor experience. A valid license is required for all freshwater fishing.

Fish the Pocomoke River north of Snow Hill for bass, crappie, catfish and striped bass. Watch for big gar fish as they occasionally roll near the surface. Contact the local state fish and game office or visit local tackle shops to find the hot spots. Numerous state, county and private boat ramps are scattered throughout the region for your convenience.

In the spring fly fish for shad, the poor man's tarpon or catch herring on light tackle. Also, try to land the primitive alligator gar without destroying your tackle.Need maps? Contact the tourism offices below.